Racine Zoo White-handed Gibbon dies; zoo's longest-term resident

Yule, the White-handed (Lar) Gibbon

The Racine Zoo announced on Monday, Oct. 28 the recent passing of Yule, the White-handed (Lar) Gibbon. 

A news release says Yule has shared the designation of the zoo’s longest-term resident with his daughter and exhibit-mate Robin, having first arrived at the
Racine Zoo in 1986.

Officials say Yule far surpassed the White-handed Gibbon life expectancy and is believed to be one of the oldest White-handed Gibbons known. He was the oldest living White-handed Gibbon housed in an AZA accredited zoo by at least two years, and also holds the record for the oldest gibbon in AZA records. 

Yule, the White-handed (Lar) Gibbon

Wild, White-handed Gibbon longevity is approximately 30 years. While they can live much longer in human care, few live to be in their 50s, as Yule did. 

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Yule fathered six daughters has over 30 descendants.

White-handed Gibbons are an endangered ape found in the jungles of Southeast Asia. They are a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.